Social media sites like Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat may be contributing to the rise of mental conditions like eating disorders or depression among teens, according to several studies. A December 2013 review published in "Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking" found that frequent Facebook usage negatively impacted adolescent girls' self-esteem, while similar research conducted at Florida State University in 2014 drew the same conclusion.

The consensus? Time spent on social media sites often led to unhealthy eating habits. Even more alarming - FSU's mental health specialists claimed that just 20 minutes of social media a day amplified "women's concerns about weight and shape and...anxiety."

"I personally think that kids these days are exposed to so much more, with not just social media, but the screens and access they have to peers," Dr. Rachel Fortune MD, eating disorder specialist at Connecticut-based Newport Academy, told us Friday. "Patients who are struggling with eating disorders have a whole host of 'resources' on the internet, as to how to be the best eating disorder patient you can be, and they share tips and tricks on the internet, through social media or web sites. I really think social media and internet use in general is something parents need to be so on top of."

Fortune says parents should be extra vigilant with high-risk children or teens who already struggle with conditions like depression or eating disorders. Regular exposure to social media may worsen their conditions.

How can adults spot negative behavior patterns associated with too much social media use?

"One of the biggest clues is your child being isolated, hiding away in their room. A lot of teens can fit that mold, but I think there's a line," Fortune advised. "Look out for kids acting withdrawn or showing acute changes in behavior, if your kid has always been one way, and now they're acting a different way. Changes in friends groups, changes in grades grades or kids veering way from historically-accepted parental and family morals and ethics."

Parents can stay ahead of the curve by setting boundaries for children and teens who have access to tablets or smartphones.

"Expectations need to be set upfront, about who has access and how often they can use that equipment," Fortune said.

Despite discouraging statistics, a rise in the number of teens diagnosed with conditions like depression or eating disorders may not be a bad thing.

"The prevalence has gone up, but I think that's due to a variety of issues," Fortune explained. "One reason is that the diagnostic criteria has changed several times over the past 10 to 20 years. With eating disorders, the diagnostic criteria has changed to broaden the ability to catch kids under the diagnosis. Our awareness has increased, and the prevalence has increased, but that's not a bad thing, we're identifying more cases and treatment centers have popped up to give kids the treatment they need."